Antrim Hurling League Division 1

Loughgiel Shamrocks 3-22 Glenariffe Oisin 0-20

Loughgiel Shamrocks secured a convincing eleven-point victory over Glenariffe in their ACHL Division 1 encounter, heavily driven by a dominant final-quarter display and a standout performance from corner-forward Roan McGarry. Despite Glenariffe showing tremendous resilience and making it a tightly contested affair for much of the second half, the Shamrocks’ overall accuracy and composure in the closing stages proved to be the decisive factor in this league clash.

There wasn”t a lot between the sides in the opening half but goals from highly impressive midfielder Paul Boyle and full forward Shan McGrath were to prove decisive as they sent the Shamrocks in at the break with a two point lead 2-10 to 0-14

The second half opened with Loughgiel on the front foot as Roan McGarry quickly pointed to set the tone. However, Glenariffe responded strongly to the challenge. Alex O’Boyle registered a crucial score before Seanie McIntosh fired over two quick points to bring the sides level. The Oisíns continued to press their case, highlighted by a fantastic point from Michael O’Boyle. Operating out on the right wing, he expertly collected a long, pinpoint puc-out from Glenariffe goalkeeper Paul McMullan and sent the ball over the bar, keeping his team firmly in the mix and the game very much in the balance.

As the half progressed, Glenariffe’s scoring touch suddenly dried up against a tightening Loughgiel defence. The Shamrocks capitalized on this drought, gradually pulling away as they exerted total control over the final ten minutes of the match. By the 29-minute mark, Loughgiel had established a commanding seven-point lead, with Roan McGarry consistently punishing the opposition through his accuracy from dead balls and relentless attacking pressure.

In injury time, McGarry capped off his brilliant individual performance by burying a superbly struck penalty in the 32nd minute, pushing the Loughgiel advantage to ten points and effectively ending any hopes of a Glenariffe comeback. Deep into added time, Loughgiel substitute Finn Henry split the posts with a final late point, stretching the winning margin to eleven and wrapping up a well-deserved victory for the Shamrocks.

Loughgiel Shamrocks: 1 Cormac McFadden, 2 Liam Glackin, 3 Enda Óg McGarry, 4 Caolan Blair, 5 Conall McCloskey, 6 Declan McCloskey, 7 Ben McGarry, 8 Ryan McKee, 9 Paul Boyle, 10 Rónán Fitzgerald, 11 Daniel McCloskey, 12 Eoin McGarry, 13 Roan McGarry, 14 Shan McGrath, 15 Pearce Patterson.

Glenariffe Oisins: 1 Paul McMullan, 2 Donall Kearney, 3 Colla Ward, 4 Odhran Gillan, 5 Michael Haughey, 6 Calum McIlwaine, 7 James Kearney, 8 Daniel Kearney, 9 Niall Magee, 10 Brogan OConnor, 11 Alex O’Boyle, 12 Orrin O Connor, 13 Michael O’Boyle, 14 Seanie McIntosh, 15 Oisín Gillan.

Referee – Mark O’Neill

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